Calls for definition of ‘veteran’ to be widened
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
The definition of ‘‘veteran’’ is just one of the barriers impacting on returned soldiers seeking help, a RSA representative says.
Rangiora RSA interim president Malcolm Wallace said confusion around the definition of veteran and changes to technology made it difficult for members to navigate the system.
Representatives of the Rangiora, Amberley, Kaiapoi and Papanui RSAs met with Veterans’ Affairs Minister Chris Penk in Rangiora recently to discuss their concerns.
Wallace said members were often facing a long wait to get a claim recognised by Veterans’ Affairs, with some waiting for two years or more.
A veteran is a soldier who has served overseas on a official deployment.
But Wallace is aware of several soldiers who served overseas and suffered injuries or medical issues, but are not covered.
One former soldier the Rangiora RSA has been working with served 20 years and developed a medical condition while serving in the South Pacific, but it was not an official deployment.
An ex-soldier speaking at the meeting said he injured his arm while working in an advisory role with the New Zealand Defence Force in the Middle East, but was not covered.
‘‘If you have a regimental number and you put on the uniform, then you can be ordered to go anywhere, so it shouldn’t matter what you end up doing,’’ Wallace said.
It meant some people get lost in the system, he said.
‘‘Veterans’ Affairs tells them they need to apply through ACC, but when they go to ACC they’re told to apply through Veterans’ Affairs.
‘‘It is important to recognise, our people are looking for a hand-up, not a hand-out.’’
Veterans have certain entitlements if approved by Veterans' Affairs, including for injuries and the Veterans' Pension.
The online system used by Veterans’ Affairs was ‘‘designed for much younger people’’, while communications through social media meant many were excluded, Wallace said.
Penk, a veteran who served with both the New Zealand and Australian navies, said the Government is reviewing the definition of a veteran.
‘‘People feel their service is not respected, so we are looking at that.’’
He said the Government has committed more resource to Veterans’ Affairs in a bid to get through a backlog of claims.
‘‘It has been a long standing issue and cases have built up over time, as the system’s not responding to the modern age.
‘‘We are caught between paper-based system and an online system.
‘‘We can be more effective with online applications, but we recognise that’s not going to work for everyone.’’
Penk said Veterans’ Affairs is making more of effort to work alongside community organisations, such as RSAs.
■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
Heritage gem or dangerous burden? Bowling club’s dilemma with historic pavilion
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
A Rangiora sports club is frustrated with the increasing maintenance and insurance costs of its 113-year-old pavilion, which can't be demolished due to its historic importance.
The Rangiora Bowling Club approached the Waimakariri District Council last year for help, but was yet to find a satisfactory solution for the pavilion.
It is registered with Heritage New Zealand and listed in the Waimakariri District Plan, leaving the club with few options.
The club’s ex-president Norman Hewett said the pavilion on Good St, north of the town centre, is unsafe and no longer fit for purpose.
Hewett said the council has been supportive and Heritage New Zealand has offered advice, but no funding.
‘‘Everybody thinks the building is worth preserving, but there is a cost and it shouldn’t be put on the bowling club.
‘‘As far as we are concerned it is not fit for purpose and we want to know how we can get round that.
‘‘We want to know what the community thinks and if they want to retain it, are they willing to pay for it?’’
The club has formed a sub-committee to explore what options are available.
Sub-committee member Rodger Wilton said the club has been unable to find any record that the club had a say when the building was given heritage status.
Built in 1911, the pavilion served the Rangiora Bowling, Tennis and Croquet Club, which originally shared the site.
It cost 945 pounds and was opened on October 28, 1911.
The three clubs purchased 1.25 acres on the corner of Blackett and Good streets in April 1905, but later parted company, with tennis and croquet moving to new sites.
While no quotes have been sought, Hewett believed it would cost more than $1 million to bring the pavilion up to code.
Ideally the club would like to demolish the pavilion so it can upgrade its main building and remain on site.
The stairwell was non-compliant and there was no wheelchair access, meaning the club was unable to use the upstairs facilities.
There are loose tiles on the roof which need replacing.
An attached building behind the pavilion is sufficient to meet the needs of the 140 members and for hosting the largest bowls tournament in North Canterbury, Hewett said.
He said the club is open to all options, including a land swap or selling to a developer with the expertise to restore the pavilion.
Waimakariri District Council community and recreation manager Chris Brown said the council is working through various opportunities with the bowling club as part of a feasibility study.
‘‘There are a lot of options to consider. Each have various financial, social and operational implications.’’
Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga said it had ‘‘expressed support for the adaptive reuse of the building and supported the club’s intention to investigate options for the pavilion and the associated land parcel’’.
The Rangiora Bowling Club is keen to hear the views of the community. Email rangiorabowling@gmail.com.
■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
Poll: Do you think NZ should ban social media for youth?
The Australian Prime Minister has expressed plans to ban social media use for children.
This would make it illegal for under 16-year-olds to have accounts on platforms including TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and X.
Social media platforms would be tasked with ensuring children have no access (under-age children and their parents wouldn’t be penalised for breaching the age limit)
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Do you think NZ should follow suit? Vote in our poll and share your thoughts below.
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84.6% Yes
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14% No
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1.4% Other - I'll share below
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